Pearl, moonstone and alexandrite, the unique gems of June

June is one of the three months of the year that have three birthstones, bringing together a triad of gems full of magic and history: pearl, moonstone and alexandrite. In addition, the first two coincide (something that does not always happen) with stones that are related to the Cancer zodiac sign, which begins precisely on June 21/22.

PEARL 

Known for being the only gemstone to come from a living creature, the pearl was considered the world's rarest gem for decades, before it became widely cultivated. And it took years to collect enough pearls of a similar tone and shape to make a necklace or bracelet.

The science of making an oyster grow a pearl began in the early 1900s in Japan. Kokichi Mikimoto, considered the father of the modern cultured pearl industry, began experimenting with nucleating Akoya pearl oysters and eventually succeeded in culturing Akoya pearls after nearly a decade of experimentation.

Among the legendary stories linked to pearls, it is said that Cartier obtained its flagship on Fifth Avenue in New York by exchanging a pearl necklace worth 1 million dollars for the mansion that at that time belonged to Morton Plant.

Other famous pearls are those found in the 'B' necklace of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, from which three drop-shaped pearls hung. On the other hand, La Peregrina is one of the most famous pearls in the world and, at the time, one of the largest stones ever found. One of its owners was Elizabeth Taylor, who lost it momentarily, to later find it in the mouth of one of her puppies.

MOONSTONE

One of the gems with the most supernatural and mystical connotations, the moonstone is given powers of love, passion and fertility, in addition to being said to promote a calm state and sensuality. Thanks to its link with the moon, legend has it that if you put a moonstone in your mouth at full moon, you can see the future.

Thanks to the phenomenon called adularescence, light seems to flow through this gem, emitting a blue glow that makes it very special. For this reason, it is said that the moonstone brings good luck to whoever carries it, as well as revitalizing body, mind and soul.

This unique gem is mined mainly in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar and Tanzania. To keep it in perfect condition, you should wash it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid using harsh chemicals or commercial jewelry cleaning products that can damage it.

ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite is the rarest variety of the mineral chrysoberyl as it changes color depending on the light with which it is viewed. It is described as the “emerald by day, ruby ​​by night”. Green in natural light and red in lamplight, their color change is nature's quintessential magic trick. Quality alexandrites are exceptionally rare and valuable, and it is the stone that is linked to the 55th wedding anniversary.

Originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, today it can be found in Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil. The name of this gem is in honor of Tsar Alexander II, who was assassinated in 1881.